Lesser Lyndworm

Threat Level: Medium to High

Basic Information

Anatomy

Six-Limbed

Although the Lesser Lyndworm is the first of the three known species of Lyndworm discovered, it may come as a shock to many that it is the freak of the Lyndworm family. Whether this means the Greater and Tundra Lyndworm originated from the Lesser, or the Lesser from them, is anyone’s guess. But I shall refrain from interjecting my own thoughts on the matter. As, according to my editor*, they are to “extreme” and “unsubstantiated”.**
Whatever the matter, there are three notable traits that distinguish the Lesser Lyndworm from their cousins. The most notable of which, being their additional appendage. More specifically, fully functional limb at either side of its flanks. While it is unknown how this limb formed, or was lost in the others, it is theorized to aid them in traveling as swiftly and nimbly as they do within the sand. What’s more, the beasts are even capable of using their crystalline claws and 6 limbs to deftly climb surfaces of caves and walls. Or, if threatened, rear on their back two legs to deliver four powerful swipes.

Crystal Armor

Another unique feature possessed only by the Lesser Lyndworm, are the growths of Fire Gems all along its body. The clever buggers*** achieve this through their constant eating of Flyntstone, a highly reactive and raw magic infused mineral, that they can digest and form into Fire Gems to be incorporated into themselves. Using it for everything from general armor, to teeth and claws. But the largest, and most magically concentrated, portion is the chunk of pure Fire Gem at the end of the tail.
Apart from these outward crystal growths, the Lesser Lyndworms carapace maintains a Cactus Green hue. And while small piece of Fire Gem can be found inlaid just below the surface for reinforced strength, it is the bones that benefit the most. This is due to the fact that the bones are covered in layers of these crystalline structures. With some older specimens I’ve dissected having their bones entirely composed of the crystal! I believe that this is because, similar to the rings of a tree but in reverse, new “layers” of crystal forms just behind the previous, slowly replacing their original bones.**** Of course, this means that, unlike their cousins, Lesser Lyndworms don’t benefit from their species indeterminate growth. In commoner terms,***** while the Greater and Tundra Lyndworm continue to grow over the course of their life, the Lesser Lyndworms is incapable of this due to the replacing of growth bone structures with unmalleable crystal.

Split Jaws

Finally, the Lesser Lyndworm possesses a four hinged jaw structure, inlaid with crystalline teeth. With this jaw structure, the Lesser Lyndworm not only can maintain a firm grip on the Flynstone they rip from surrounding rock, but can latch onto would be predators. And with the addition of locking mechanisms within the jaws, their vice like grip is nearly impossible to escape from without losing a sizable chunk of oneself.
At the center of these jaws, positioned above and below the gullet, are four dexterous and highly modified ‘fangs’. Although fully capable of processing whole rocks, with their gut sorting through usable and unusable material and Flyntstone, they use these back fangs to crack the rock into more manageable pieces. While also using them to safely guide said pieces into a more favorable rotation, helping to prevent any potential blockage. To do this, the Lesser Lyndworms fangs are not only hewn from the same Fire Gems that cover their body, but have fast twitch muscles attached to them, allowing TREMENDOUS force to be applied at the tips of each fang.

Scientific Name

Crystallum Comedentis

Origin/Ancestry

Lyndworm

Lifespan

Assumed to be Ageless

Conservation Status

Recovering

Average Height

4’9” ft. - 7’4” ft.

Average Length

13’ ft.

Geographic Distribution

• The Empty Quarter

* Editors Notes: Please refrain from mentioning me, and stay on topic.

Response: No.

** Editors Notes: ‘descendants of an unknown and entirely undescribed larger species’ is hardly reliable. Additionally, again, please attempt to be more professional.

Response: Must you
ruin ALL fun?

Editors Notes: If by ‘fun’ you mean recklessly and mindlessly ruining the unbiased reporting of Jotunheim fauna, then yes.

Response: Shut it,
you pollywog.

*** Editors Note: Please find better descriptiors other than “Clever Buggers”. As it is not only irrelevant to any notable traits, but unprofessional.

Response: Shut it,
you pollywog.

Editors Notes: Didn’t you already use that?

****Editors Notes: Please refrain from unsubstantiated conjecture.

Response: How about no,
you Hill Giants toe rag.

Editors Notes: …What?

Response: I’m 

workshopping 

new insults.

Editors Notes: I see…

*****Editors Note: Really Mr. Dumblfeet? ‘In Commoner terms’? Must I even need to explain why I have stricken this out?

Response: Randall… You 

marked my document? You 

know what this means…

Editors Notes: Please don’t…

Response: You’ve only 

yourself to blame.

Editors Notes: PLEASE do not. You KNOW what cabbages do to Butterscotch. If you’ve any mercy, please do not.

Response: Her eye 

watering flatulence 

shall be a just 

punishment.